The following navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. Left and right arrows move through main tier links and expand / close menus in sub tiers. Up and Down arrows will open main tier menus and toggle through sub tier links. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items.

The following navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. Left and right arrows move through main tier links and expand / close menus in sub tiers. Up and Down arrows will open main tier menus and toggle through sub tier links. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items.

The Chicago Transit Authority has extended the public comment periods for the Yellow and Orange Line Alternatives Analysis studies to allow more time for public input due to the high level of interest.

The Orange Line comment period has been extended to May 13 and the Yellow Line comment period has been extended to May 21. Comments on the project can be provided in the following formats:

On comment cards specific to each project which are available on CTA’s web site at www.transitchicago.com (under tab Initiatives, Alternatives Analysis Studies) and in person at the 2nd floor reception or customer service of CTA headquarters at 567 W. Lake Street;

The presentation materials from the public meetings held on August 19, 2008 and April 22, 2009 (Orange Line); and on August 26, 2008 and April 30, 2009 (Yellow Line) are available for viewing online at www.transitchicago.com (under tab Initiatives, Alternatives Analysis Studies).

Public comment is part of the Alternatives Analysis study – an important step in pursuing federal funding for major transit projects. The Alternatives Analysis study is designed to examine all the transit options available and determine a locally preferred alternative.

The Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts program requires transit project proposals to proceed through a process of planning, design and construction. The FTA process consists of five formal steps: Alternatives Analysis, Environmental Impact Statement, Preliminary Engineering, Final Design and Construction.